It is full steam ahead for the Community Education Programme at Hemel Hempstead Town FC as teenagers are given the chance to continue their studies while also experiencing life at a football club.

Orchestrated by director of football Steve Boone, the two-year programme will provide youngsters with youth team football under the guidance of Tudors first team manager Dean Brennan, as well as the chance to gain a BTech qualification in sports science.

The scheme is now moving forward at a fast pace, with a number of companies coming forward to support the academy and the students who have signed up ready for the big kick-off in September.

Sports education specialists TVS have been instrumental in driving the programme forward, while Simon Balle School in Hertford have also pledged their support for the initiative. The secondary school has a sixth form and academy status, with more than 1,000 students currently enrolled.

Speaking about the partnership with the school, Boone said: “Simon Balle had a choice of sporting partners to enter into a new programme of this kind and chose Hemel FC to be actively involved; not just in terms of funding but also with regard to resources, information and best case practice experience.

“We thank them for their support going forward and are excited to enter a joint-venture with such a professional educational organisation.”

Another partner company that has renewed its commitment to support the programme with funding and resources is O’Rourke Personnel – a leading recruitment company in Hemel.

Managing director Peter Cooper said: “We are proud to support a grass roots development project within the local football club and community. We fundamentally believe that the opportunities for development within young people in Hemel is core to the values of our business”.

O’Rourke is currently recruiting for skilled tradesmen and apprentices for a number of construction projects.

Boone added: “Hemel Hempstead Town FC are very keen to once again thank our new partners and supporters of this programme, as well as The Gazette newspaper for their coverage and support of this and many other local community projects.”